Dundee was given a major jobs boost today when it was confirmed that Spanish firm Gamesa intends to begin manufacturing wind turbines in the city.
The move could initially create around 170 jobs in Dundee which will cement the city’s reputation at the forefront of the offshore renewables sector and could be key in attracting even more investment to Tayside in the future.
Gamesa, which is part-owned by Iberdrola, the parent company of Scottish Power, wants to develop a manufacturing, logistics and operations and maintenance base in Dundee that will construct turbines and service those in the North Sea.
They also intend to create a marine wind technology centre in Glasgow, creating 130 jobs there.
The company, which is one of the world’s leading wind turbine manufactures, intends to invest 50 million euros in Scotland.
Jorge Calvet, chairman of Gamesa, said, “I am delighted to confirm our commitment to the UK and to Scotland as we become more deeply engaged with the UK’s forward-thinking plans around offshore wind.
“Our plans in Glasgow and the potential for Dundee could generate significant local, skilled and sustainable jobs over the coming years.
“I would like to recognise the support and commitment from the Scottish Government and its development agencies during the ongoing discussions around these investment plans.”
First Minister Alex Salmond said, “I’m delighted that Gamesa, a world-leading wind energy company, has signalled its intention to work with Scotland’s agencies to locate its offshore wind technology centre in Glasgow, potentially bringing new skilled jobs to the city.”
Gamesa estimates that the construction and development of its offshore wind business in the UK will create over 1000 direct jobs and another 800 indirect jobs at local suppliers.’Serious players’Ignacio Galan, chairman of Iberdrola, which has a 20% stake in Gamesa, added, “Gamesa’s announcement today boosts Scotland’s role as a centre for the expanding offshore wind industry in the UK and abroad.
“We recently established our global headquarters for offshore wind projects in Glasgow, so the city is now very well placed to be a world leader in developing and delivering this new technology.”
He added, “Iberdrola is investing approximately £3bn in Scotland over the next two years, and significant sums will be dedicated to helping to drive forward the renewable energy industry.
“We see this as an exciting new opportunity, and the fact that major Spanish companies are investing in Scotland is in no small measure down to the efforts of the First Minister and his government in encouraging investment and jobs to this country.”
Dundee City Council leader Ken Guild said, “We now have an opportunity to build on our ambition to be a major centre for renewables in Scotland and take advantage of our location and transport facilities that link road and rail networks directly to the North Sea.”
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said, “Dundee is a developing centre for green energy jobs and the understanding between Gamesa, Dundee’s SNP council and Forth Ports that Dundee will be home to a major manufacturing centre for offshore wind turbines is a huge step forward for the city that could lead to hundreds if not thousands of jobs being created.”
Dundee East MSP Shona Robison added, “This is great news for the city and has the potential to make Dundee a centre of excellence for renewables in Scotland and the world.
“Gamesa are serious players in the renewables business and their interest in Dundee and in Scotland offers great opportunities for the city.”
For full coverage and reaction to this story, see Friday’s Courier.